SHEEP CREEK III-V (GRANDE CACHE)
Gauges
Two gauges are being used, gauge 1 is the Smoky River Hells Creek station (gauge can be used for general area
reference rainfall only), and gauge 2 is located on the Highway 40 Sheep Creek Bridge and is painted in yellow on
the south support. With the recent floods, this gauge may no longer be appropriate. The bridge is the take out so
make sure you know what your getting yourself into.
- 128 m3/s 0.3 class III, approaching lower end of river navigability especially after lower canyon
Put In
 Access by driving 8.0 km North on Highway 40 from Grande Cache, then drive 16 km on the Beaverdam Road. Four
wheel drive ability is necessary in wet weather as this road can turn into soup when it rains. Put in is at the
bridge.
Take Out
Take out is 27 km North of Grande Cache on Highway 40. The road crosses the river at this point. Full day adventure!
Overview
Anyone who has had the pleasure of paddling this world class whitewater run has been left awe struck by its,
length, steepness, and diverse water features. This is an all day true wilderness run, with steady class
III, IV and a portage-able class V for those so inclined. Perils and pleasures abound with many of the
same characteristics as the Fraser River, but to a slightly lesser degree. Holes (friendly and otherwise),
ledges, drops, ender spots, and 10-12ft surfing waves clutter this classic adventure run! Solid
paddling skills are required to attempt this river in flooded conditions. Come prepared: ropes, carabiners,
tow harness, food, water, first aid, etc.
Sheep Creek Highlights
- The Rock Horn Rapid
- Lauzon's Ledge
- The Cauldron
- Class V
- Hidie's Ledge
- Sheep Creek Falls
- The Slide
- Multiple Surf Waves
Rapid Descriptions
The Rock Horn Rapid
Steep steady class III+ to IV
Lauzon's Ledge
 Ever spend forever getting out of a hole? Sneak route on river right, or take the narrow green tongue
about 15ft from shore on river left (at very high water there is no green tongue - stay right!).
The Cauldron
Eddy up and grab the zigzag green tongue on river right - stay on your line - nasties on either side.
Class V
 A mass of swirling eddylines and boils - undercuts are everywhere as you negotiate your way through an
8 foot strangle. After the strangle you have less than two boat lengths to move into position (either
extreme river left or right) to avoid the hydraulic at the bottom of a 15ft slightly slanting waterfall.
There have been few who have successfully negotiated this drop, and usually need rescue support below, be prepared
for the worst as there is still plenty of river to deal with downstream.
Hidie's Ledge
Massive river wide inescapable hydraulic - extreme left or right and jump in the eddy. There may be a lot of
debris in this ledge so scout and contimplate walking around the drop.
Sheep Creek Falls
 Sheep falls is a small 6 foot drop, but the main flow funnels right into a huge flat hole, which has maytaged many kayakers in the past. It is unlikely you will be able to escape this hole in medium to high flows, and if you swim, have resue in boats downstream before you start down the white mile. In higher flows, the water pours over a small knotch on river right with no hole to stick you. Portage on river right. Runs for the lower section start here.
The Slide
 You'll know it when you see it, big green and -gulp- high (it goes up! It should actually be called
the "ramp").
Multiple Surfing Waves
Downstream of the last big rapid on the Sheep, you will be able to find multiple one shot wonder waves, that are fast and smooth. It is a nice way to end this adrenaline filled day.
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